ITS founding member of UK’s first digital infrastructure co-op
ITS Technology Group (ITS), an alternative full fibre and wireless network provider, is a founding member of Tameside Digital Infrastructure Cooperative (TDIC).
The Chester-based group will deliver pure fibre connectivity to businesses and residents across the borough.
The newly constructed 35km full fibre ring has been incorporated into ITS’ national network, providing a platform for its local and national partners and resellers.
ITS has come together with the council, other public sector bodies and private sector service partners to deliver a commercial ultrafast network over the 35km ducting that connects more than 100 key council and health buildings, 80 CCTV camera locations, and Tameside College’s campuses.
Daren Baythorpe, ITS chief executive, said: “This is one of a number of innovative models that ITS has played a pivotal role in developing in partnership with local authorities to support the Government’s full fibre mission.
“As a result, this gigabit-ready network will deliver transformational digital capabilities to the public sector organisations, businesses and residents of Tameside.
“This adds to our increasing footprint of metro networks built on the back of agreements with councils including Bristol, Hammersmith & Fulham, Herefordshire and Nottingham.”
Shaun Fensom, consultant and advisor to Tameside Council, said: “The support and encouragement from ITS has been invaluable in setting up the cooperative.
“By forming TDIC, and the economies of scale this offers, we have created a larger, more robust infrastructure that will give Tameside the opportunity to make the most of digital technologies and services to make further savings.”
Cllr Bill Fairfoull, deputy leader of Tameside Council, added: “Working with ITS as a founding member, we have created a model that uses a cooperative to tie together assets and the network will allow businesses to innovate, differentiate and add value with new and competitive products and services.”
